Sole practitioner seeking a very detail oriented, professional individual for this part-time flexible position. Job duties would include but not limited to drafting documents, coordinating court dates with the courthouse and clients, assist with trial preparations and some filing. Must be proficient with computers, willing to learn case management software and aggressively track time and tasks. Must be willing to professionally handle at times difficult clients and persons. Competitive pay commensurate with experience. If interested in this position, please submit resume, cover letter, three references and a writing sample to: Linda Watson at email address: Linda@watsonlawpeoria.com.

New Members’ LuncheonOn November 7, 2012, the PCBA held its Fall New Members’ Luncheon. New members attending were Patrick McGrath, Jason Story, Christa Wittenberg, Aaron Brakke, Jacqueline Azis, Melanie Cannon, Amy Pfeiffer, Emily Wittrig, John Bathke, and Julian Watkins. We would like to thank President Lisa Y. Wilson, Membership Chair Greg Rastatter, YLC Chair Nate Bach, and Prairie State Legal Services Managing Attorney Denise Conklin, who graciously took time out of their busy schedules to come and share their thoughts with the newest members of the Association.We would also like to thank all of the attorneys and judges who came out to welcome the new members on November 9 at Ulrich’s Rebellion Room. A special thank you to Casey Johnson and Marty Best of WestPoint Financial who sponsored the free drinks and appetizers!! Below are photos from the event.

Courts & ProceduresThe Federal Division of the Courts & Procedures Committee will be creating an email group of attorneys who would be interested in watching Federal Trials. If you are interested in being a part of this email group please contact Linda at pcba@mtco.com. Also, if any firm would like a copy of the Support Staff Training DVD on electronic filing from the Federal Rules Seminar held on February 5, 2011, they are still available at the PCBA for $25.00.

Local Continuing Legal Education SeminarsMark your calendars for the upcoming seminars being held at the Spalding Pastoral Center.

2013 Winter Series:January 12: Elder Law – Susan Dawson-Tibbits & Mary Etrick, Co-ChairsMedicaid Eligibility: The Deficit Reduction Act Has Finally Landed in IllinoisNew Directed Trusts and Decanting StatutesTax Law as We Know It NowAn Uncommon Selection of Estate Planning ConsiderationsEnd of Life Issues: When the Legal System and the Medical System Collide (Panel Discussion)Views from the Probate Bench

January 19: Family Law – James Lawson & Judge Jerelyn Maher-Shulz, Co-ChairsLegislative Update - Richard W. ZuckermanCase Law Update - Judge Jerelyn MaherSo the marital Residence is in Foreclosure - An Overview of the Mortgage ForeclosureProcess – Dustin EssigSocial Media - The Introduction Into Evidence of Facebook, Text, Emails - Drew Say Yes/Judy Says No! -Drew Parker and Judy SerritellaIntroduction of Employability in a Maintenance Case Without Calling an Expert - David LynchWhat is the Evidentiary Value of the DVO in the Custody/Visitation Case? - James LawsonJudicial Forum

Brown Bag Series – Emily Wilburn and Jeffrey Bach, Co-ChairsMarch 8, 13, 20, 27 and April 3PCBA Office-12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; FREE (open to PCBA members only) with lunch provided. This year you will need to complete and return registration information in order to be on the list for the brown bag seminars. With class size limited to the first 25 registrations received, there will be a waiting list once the class is full. If you have any questions, please contact the PCBA office (309) 674-6049 or email pcba@mtco.com. Topics and speakers will be announced next month.

MembershipChair Gregory Rastatter reports that Aaron G. Brakke, Jodi M. Hoos, Alison M. Lynch, Greggory R. Walters (renewal) and Christa D. Wittenberg have applied for regular membership; and Brian Seckler has applied for Law Student Membership. Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Association, these applications will be presented to the Board of Directors at its January meeting.Thank you to all who have paid their annual membership dues. If you would like to pay your membership dues online, please go to https://peoriabar.org/product/membership-dues. On December 31, 2012, the PCBA will delete the names of members from the roster (and website) who have not paid membership dues.Public RelationsPCBA’S Distinguished Community Service Award - Nominations SoughtThe PCBA Distinguished Community Service Award was established in 1995 when the following resolution was unanimously passed by the Board of Directors of the Association: WHEREAS, members of the Peoria County Bar Association have a long history of community activism in volunteer projects to improve the quality of life in the Peoria area; WHEREAS, the Peoria County Bar Association continues to encourage community involvement by its members; WHEREAS, those individuals among our membership who have exhibited long commitment to community service as a volunteer deserve to be recognized and honored; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Peoria County Bar Association hereby establish the DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD recognizing each year one of our members whose record of longtime community volunteerism is exemplary and brings honor to both the Peoria area and this Association.The recipient of this award is recognized at the annual Lincoln Banquet & Gala, and past recipients include: William Rutherford, Rex Linder, Tim Bertschy, David Mueller, Tim Cassidy, Justice Mary McDade, Donald Jackson, Karl Kuppler, Craig Young, William Connor, Karen Stumpe, Judge Michael Mihm, and Matthew Jones. The deadline for nominations is January 4, 2013.Young Lawyers2012 Project SantaThe Young Lawyers Committee will again this year be partnering with South Side Mission for their annual gift giving program, connecting the Peoria Legal Community with underprivileged children in the Peoria area. If you have decided to participate you should have received a child’s name along with pertinent information, if you have not received that information please contact Co-Chairs Abigail Fleming (309) 676-7657 AbigailFleming@mtco.com or Vincent Boyle (309) 637-1400 vboyle@hwgsb.com and they will provide you with the necessary information.